Alarming Trend in UP: Only 49% of Muslim Girls Enrol in Schools
New Age Islam News Bureau
25 February 2025
· Alarming Trend in UP: Only 49% of Muslim Girls Enrol in Schools
· Srinagar police detain three Muslim women for distributing Quran and hijabs
· UCC will ensure justice, welfare for Muslim women, society: BJP’s Suri
· Why women education is important from Islamic point of view
· UN Chief: A Patriarchal System has denied women their basic rights in Afghanistan
· Woman conceives after deliberately tripping me – Bishop Oyedepo
· Trapped Between Abuse and Tradition: Two Women’s Fatal Quest for Freedom in Iran
Compiled by New Age Islam News Bureau
URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/alarming-muslim-girls-up-schools/d/134722
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Alarming Trend in UP: Only 49% of Muslim Girls Enrol in Schools
February 25, 2025
LUCKNOW — A recent seminar organised by the Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy and the Shakira Khatoon Educational Welfare Society revealed the challenges faced by Muslim women in accessing education. Held at the Madrasa Shakira Lilbanat in Dhobha in Siddarthnagar District, the event shed light on the dismal state of Muslim women’s education in Uttar Pradesh. According to the 2001 census, only 49% of Muslim girls enroll in government schools, and a staggering 88% of Muslim women in North India remain illiterate.
MaulanaAbdus Sami Almadni, the main organiser of the programme, expressed deep concern over the declining numbers. “While 50% of Muslim girls initially enroll in schools, less than 20% complete their education,” he said. This alarming dropout rate underscores the systemic barriers faced by Muslim women in pursuing education.
The seminar also highlighted the stark contrast between North and South India, with the latter faring significantly better in terms of female literacy. MaulanaHafizur Rahman Qasmi, a prominent speaker at the event, attributed the crisis to a flawed perception of education. “Education is often seen merely as a means to earn money, and it is not considered essential for women,” he remarked.
AfreenArshiAzimi, another participant, emphasised the need to redefine the purpose of education. “Education is not just a tool for employment; it is a source of personality development, critical thinking, and knowledge,” she said. “Our ancestors never sought knowledge solely for profit but propagated it selflessly.”
Kulsoom Jalal Tayyabati echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of educated mothers in shaping future generations. “When awareness about the true purpose of education spreads, the desire to raise a talented and responsible generation will grow. This will naturally lead to a greater emphasis on educating girls and ending caste-based discrimination,” she said.
Despite the grim statistics, there are signs of progress. MaulanaHafizur Rahman Qasmi noted that in recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Muslim girls pursuing higher education. “Girls are now outperforming boys in class 10th and 12th examinations across many states, and they are achieving remarkable success. However, there is still a pressing need for them to enter fields of research and specialization,” he added.
The seminar concluded with a call to action, urging communities to prioritise educational awareness and reform. As AfreenArshiAzimi aptly summed it up: “The journey towards empowerment begins with education. It is time to break the chains of illiteracy and pave the way for a brighter future for Muslim women.”
Source:clarionindia.net
https://clarionindia.net/alarming-trend-in-up-only-49-of-muslim-girls-enrol-in-schools/
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Srinagar police detain three Muslim women for distributing Quran and hijabs
February 25, 2025
On Sunday, February 23, 2025, three Muslim women in Srinagar’s Rajbagh area were detained by the Jammu and Kashmir police while distributing copies of the Quran and hijabs as part of a community initiative.
A group of young Kashmiri women had launched a program aimed at providing Quran copies and hijabs to the public, including women and children, in the lead-up to the holy month of Ramadan, a time traditionally associated with charity and community service within the Muslim community.
However, the program was interrupted by the police, who detained three members of the group. While the women were questioned and investigated, they were eventually released, but the exact reasons for their detention remain unclear.
The incident sparked significant controversy and outrage among political leaders and members of the public. Waheed Para, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader and Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Pulwama, condemned the actions of the police, calling the detention unjust. In a series of posts on social media platform X, Para criticized the police for detaining the women, pointing out that the Quran promotes principles of peace, justice, and a crime-free society.
He urged the Srinagar police not to pursue any legal action against the women and emphasized that their initiative was in line with the charitable spirit of Ramadan.
After the women’s release, Para confirmed with the Srinagar police that they were safe and that the detention had been brief. He explained that the police had raised concerns related to the women’s identities while they were sharing the message of the Quran. According to reports, the police conducted an inquiry into the matter before releasing the detained women.
This incident came shortly after a major police operation in Srinagar, during which authorities confiscated over 600 religious books, alleging that they were linked to the ideology of the Jamaat-e-Islami organization.
The authorities claimed that these materials violated legal regulations, and the police issued stern warnings to those found in possession of such materials.
The detention of the women and the broader police actions have ignited a debate over the limits of religious expression and freedom in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident highlighted ongoing tensions between religious activities and law enforcement in the region, particularly as the community approaches the holy month of Ramadan.
The event also underscored the complex relationship between political, religious, and legal spheres in the region. — With Agencies Inputs
Source:muslimmirror.com
https://muslimmirror.com/srinagar-police-detain-three-muslim-women-for-distributing-quran-and-hijabs/
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UCC will ensure justice, welfare for Muslim women, society: BJP’s Suri
February 25, 2025
Jammu, Feb 24: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Executive Member, Raman Suri has voiced strong support for the statement made by RSS leader Indresh Kumar regarding the implementation of a Unified Civil Code (UCC) for all citizens of the country, saying the decision will ensure that there is justice and equality for all communities, especially Muslim women, in India.
He said the principle of “one country, one constitution, and one justice system” must also extend to a single civil code.
‘This will ensure justice and respect, particularly for Muslim women, who have long suffered due to discriminatory practices within their own community,” Suri said in a statement issued here.
Condemning the practices such as triple talaq, halala and polygamy, which he called harmful to the progress of the Muslim society, Raman Suri said these practices, as also stated by RSS leader, distort the true message of Islam, which is rooted in peace, humanity and brotherhood.
The BJP leader said the time has come for India to move forward on the path of reform. “It is essential to discard practices that hinder the development of society and embrace a more just and equal approach,” he said.
The BJP leader said the implementation of a single civil code is the right step toward creating a more inclusive society. “Unified Civil Code (UCC) is crucial for the unity of the nation, as it would provide equal rights and opportunities to all citizens, regardless of their religion or caste,” he added
Suri said that laws should be designed in a manner that protects and uplifts marginalised groups, especially women. “India is progressing and can’t afford to have different laws for different people,” he said.
The BJP leader reiterated the need to focus on unity, justice and harmony to build a stronger and more prosperous India for all where youth can build their future and also contribute to nation-building.
Source:risingkashmir.com
https://risingkashmir.com/ucc-will-ensure-justice-welfare-for-muslim-women-society-bjps-suri/
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Why women education is important from Islamic point of view
25-02-2025
AashaKhosa
Islam strongly supports education for both men and women. The Quran begins with the command "Read!" (96:1), highlighting the fundamental importance of knowledge and learning. This applies to everyone, regardless of gender. Prophet Muhammad emphasized this further, saying, "Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim" (Sunan Ibn Majah).
He also said, "The best among you (Muslims) are those who learn the Quran and teach it" (Sahih al-Bukhari), encouraging both learning and teaching for all Muslims. The Quran repeatedly stresses the value of knowledge. For example, it asks, "Are those who know equal to those who do not know?" (39:9), showing that knowledge is highly valued in Islam. Another verse states, "Allah will raise those who have believed among you and those who were given knowledge by degrees" (58:11), indicating that knowledge elevates one's status in the eyes of Allah.
The Prophet also designated specific times to address women's educational needs. When women requested dedicated instruction, he allocated a weekly session, saying, "Gather on such-and-such a day at such-and-such a place" (Sahih Bukhari 101). This institutionalized women's access to religious and practical knowledge, showing the importance Islam places on women's education.
Furthermore, the Prophet said, "The best among you are those who learn the Quran and teach it" (Sahih al-Bukhari). This praise extends to women, exemplified by Aisha (RA), the Prophet's wife, who taught Islamic jurisprudence to male scholars. Another Hadith states, "Whoever follows a path in pursuit of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise" (Sahih Muslim). The gender-neutral language in these Hadiths underscores equal access to education for both men and women.
Throughout Islamic history, there have been many educated Muslim women who made significant contributions. Aisha, the wife of Prophet Muhammad, was renowned for her vast knowledge and taught many people about Islam. Fatima al-Fihri founded the University of Al-Karaouine in 859 CE, which UNESCO recognizes as the oldest continually-running university in the world. Other notable examples include Nafisa bint al-Hassan, a respected scholar who taught Imam Shafi'i, and Lubna of Cordoba, who was well-versed in mathematics and served as the sultan's secretary.
In India, Muslim women face numerous challenges in accessing education. Poverty is a significant barrier, especially in rural areas. Many families can't afford school fees, uniforms, or transportation. Early marriage is another issue that interrupts girls' education. Some parents don't understand how important education is for girls. There are also cultural challenges. Some people misinterpret Islam to justify not educating girls. Traditional gender roles sometimes make people think girls don't need education. Some families worry that secular education might lead girls away from their religious values.
Despite these challenges, education can greatly empower Indian Muslim women. It gives them the skills to get jobs and become financially independent. Educated women are more likely to get employment in healthcare, education, and technology. They can also start their businesses. When women earn money, they usually spend most of it on their families' health and education, which helps the whole community. Education also builds self-confidence.
It helps women understand their rights and participate more in public life. Educated Muslim women are breaking stereotypes and showing they can be active and successful members of society. They're changing how people see Muslim women, demonstrating that Muslim women can be educated, and successful, and still maintain their religious identity.
The impact of educating Muslim women extends to the next generation as well. Children of educated mothers are more likely to receive education themselves, creating a cycle of empowerment. According to a study by the National Council of Applied Economic Research, children of literate mothers have a 50% higher chance of surviving past the age of 5 and 20% more likely to be enrolled in school.
Educated Muslim women are increasingly making their voices heard in politics and civic engagement. They are participating in local governance, joining political parties, and taking on leadership roles in various organizations. For example, Syed Sadia Tabassum became India's first Muslim woman IAS officer from Rajasthan in 2016, inspiring many young girls to pursue higher education and civil services.
To overcome the barriers to education, Islamic teachings can be used as solutions. Families should see education as a religious duty for their daughters, not just a choice. We need to educate communities about what Islam says about women's education. Islamic charity systems like Zakat and Sadaqah can be used to help pay for girls' education. It's also important to create safe learning spaces for girls, maybe with only female teachers.
There are already some good initiatives to help Indian Muslim women get educated. The Right to Education (RTE) Act (2009) provides free education for children aged 6-14. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) provides financial support for higher education to minority students, including Muslim women. Some organizations like the Zakat Foundation of India and Rahmani provide free coaching for competitive exams, helping Muslim girls get into good colleges and jobs.
The Sachar Committee Report (2006) highlighted the educational backwardness of the Muslim community in India, especially women. It found that only 68% of Muslim girls attend school at the primary level, compared to the national average of 72%. At the higher education level, only 3.5% of Muslim women complete graduation, compared to the national average of 6% for women. These statistics underscore the need for focused efforts to improve Muslim women's education in India. However, there are positive trends as well. The literacy rate among Muslim women in India has shown improvement, rising from 50.1% in 2001 to 62.2% in 2011, according to the Census data.
This increase, while encouraging, still leaves room for significant improvement. Education is transforming the lives of many Indian Muslim women. It's helping them become more independent, confident, and able to contribute to their families and society. For example, RehanaRehman from Bihar, who received support from a local NGO, not only completed her education but also became a teacher, inspiring other girls in her village to pursue education.
Education also plays a crucial role in improving health outcomes for Muslim women and their families. Educated women are more likely to understand and access healthcare services, leading to better maternal and child health. They are more aware of the importance of nutrition, hygiene, and preventive healthcare measures.
A study by the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta found that an increase in female literacy is associated with a decrease in infant mortality rates. Moreover, education empowers Muslim women to challenge and change harmful traditional practices. With knowledge comes the ability to question and critically analyze cultural norms that may hamper women's progress.
Educated women are more likely to stand up against practices like early marriage, domestic violence, and gender discrimination. They become voices for change within their communities, advocating for the rights of other women and girls.
Education is a powerful tool for the progress of Indian Muslim women. It aligns with Islamic teachings. It also paves the way for a more inclusive and prosperous society. As more Muslim women gain access to education, we can see positive changes not only within the Muslim community but in society.
The journey of educating Muslim women is not just about individual advancement; it's about building a more equitable, knowledgeable, and progressive nation. While progress has been made, there are still significant challenges to overcome. Continued efforts are needed from the government, religious leaders, community organizations, and families to ensure that every Muslim girl in India has the opportunity to receive quality education.
Source:awazthevoice.in
https://www.awazthevoice.in/opinion-news/why-women-education-is-important-from-islamic-point-of-view-34776.html
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UN Chief: A Patriarchal System has denied women their basic rights in Afghanistan
By Fidel Rahmati
February 25, 2025
The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has officially begun in Geneva, Switzerland, with high-ranking officials from 100 countries and global organizations, including the UN Secretary-General, participating.
Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, stated at the opening that “this session has begun under the shadow of a grim milestone.” He emphasized the dire state of human rights, especially in Afghanistan, highlighting the oppression of women and girls.
Guterres further pointed out that in Afghanistan, “a patriarchal system has denied girls the right to education and women their fundamental rights.” His statement stressed the severity of the situation in Afghanistan and the global responsibility to address it.
He made these remarks, referring to the restrictions imposed by the Taliban, highlighting the ongoing suppression of women’s rights in Afghanistan.
The session will last for eight days, focusing on human rights issues around the world. On the sixth day, Friday, February 28, discussions will specifically address the human rights situation in Afghanistan.
The Taliban have imposed numerous restrictions on the citizens of Afghanistan, particularly women, over the past three years. Girls and women are currently prohibited from attending school, university, or working, and are deprived of their basic rights.
The 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council has begun, with Afghanistan being a key focus. Nasir Ahmad Andisha, Afghanistan’s representative in Geneva, announced that Richard Bennett, the UN Human Rights Council’s Special Rapporteur, will present a report on Afghanistan on February 28.
The report will largely focus on the restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women, particularly following the approval of the Ministry of Vice and Virtue’s decree.
Source:khaama.com
https://www.khaama.com/un-chief-a-patriarchal-system-has-denied-women-their-basic-rights-in-afghanistan/
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Woman conceives after deliberately tripping me – Bishop Oyedepo
February 24, 2025
byYewandeFasan
Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church, has shared a remarkable testimony about a woman who conceived after intentionally tripping him during a visit to the United States.
According to Oyedepo, the woman, driven by faith, deliberately caused him to stumble when she noticed security personnel nearby.
She ensured physical contact with him, believing it would lead to her long-desired pregnancy.
The bishop recounted the incident as an example of unwavering faith in action.
Oyedepo recounted the story, saying: “A woman dealt with me somewhere in the U.S. I was there for a meeting and then she saw security here and there, and she said ‘today na today’, so she put her leg, and I stumbled. Then she told her husband ‘I’m pregnant’. He said ‘ehn, just now?’. She delivered nine months. Faith was alive.”
Source:thenationonlineng.net
https://thenationonlineng.net/woman-conceives-after-deliberately-tripping-me-bishop-oyedepo/
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Trapped Between Abuse and Tradition: Two Women’s Fatal Quest for Freedom in Iran
FEBRUARY 25, 2025
MARYAM DEHKORDI
On a cold February day, 23-year-old Donya Hosseini made a desperate choice that would cost her life.
After enduring eight years of domestic violence, she finally sought a divorce - only to be brutally stabbed to death by her father just four days later.
“Her family opposed the divorce, even though her husband was extremely violent and had repeatedly threatened to kill her,” says PardisRabiei, a women’s rights activist familiar with the case.
Donya’s troubles began at age 15 when, like many girls in traditional Kermanshah, she was forced into an arranged marriage with a relative.
Despite being allowed to study and work, she endured relentless abuse from her husband for eight years before reaching her breaking point.
In her final days, trapped between an abusive marriage and her family’s rigid traditions, Donya fled to her parents’ home.
According to her last writings, discovered after her death, her family confined her to a room and confiscated her phone.
Yet even then, her spirit remained unbroken. “Life is very difficult,” she wrote, “but I won’t stop fighting.”
Her determination would prove fatal.
Within days of seeking refuge at her parents’ home, Donya’s father, viewing divorce as an unforgivable social shame, took his daughter’s life.
“Everyone in her family blamed her for the divorce,” Rabiei explains. “In their patriarchal structure, like many traditional families, divorce is seen as a personal and social failure.
“She was severely threatened, not just for her personal choices, but for defying traditional, patriarchal family expectations. She was a victim of child marriage.”
Donya’s case adds to a growing list of similar tragedies in Iran, where hundreds of women have been killed by close male relatives - usually husbands or fathers - for seeking divorce after enduring forced marriages and domestic violence.
Zahra Asghari: Seven Knife Wounds in Front of Her Daughter’s Eyes
In January, four women - Zahra Shahbazi, GhazalehHodoudi, Zahra, and KowsarDarabi - were reported killed by men close to them.
Now, another name joins this grim statistic. According to information received by IranWire, on January 8, Zahra Asghari, a mother of two, was murdered with seven stab wounds to her chest by her husband.
Zahra’s husband had repeatedly been unfaithful during their marriage, and each time she attempted to file for divorce, he threatened to kill her.
PardisRabiei describes Zahra Asghari’s case: “This crime didn’t happen in private but in front of Zahra’s 14-year-old daughter. The husband even threatened to kill their daughter too.”
According to Rabiei, Zahra had repeatedly learned about her husband’s affairs with other women. Each time she packed her bags for divorce and sought refuge with her family, her husband lured her back with promises of a house and car.
Rabiei, who has publicized many femicides in Iran, told IranWire, “In a society where patriarchy is rooted in culture, law, and custom, women like Zahra are not only unprotected from domestic violence but become victims of a system that leaves them rightless and defenseless.”
According to IranWire’s investigations, at least 136 women have been killed by family members since March 2024.
Source:iranwire.com
https://iranwire.com/en/women/139324-trapped-between-abuse-and-tradition-two-womens-fatal-quest-for-freedom-in-iran/
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URL: https://newageislam.com/islam-women-feminism/alarming-muslim-girls-up-schools/d/134722